TRANSFIGURATION

Image CR: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

If you look up the word transfiguration in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it defines it like this.

1. A change in form or appearance
2. An exalting glorifying, or spiritual change

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary even acknowledges it as a Christian feast that commemorates the transfiguration of Christ on a mountaintop in the presence of three disciples. (Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2022).
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Now, it is common practice for those who produce dictionaries in the book industry to follow an absorbing process in deciding which words to include in their new edition. For example, editors at Merriam-Webster have to determine the following before including a new word in their dictionary. 

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• Which words to include
• What do they mean
• Editors must study the language as the words are used
• Editors must monitor how people use these words and how often these words are being used
• Editors must look for variant spellings and inflected forms in short

The final test a word must pass before an editor decides to include it in the dictionary is that it must have enough proven evidence to show that it is widely used in our society. However, the word being considered cannot come from a single source. Otherwise, it is rejected from entry in the general dictionary. Of course, there are a few other processes not listed here. But you all get the point.

So, what does all this have to do with the transfiguration? Well, let’s take a walk back in time and you will find out. 

Defining its meaning
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We can read about the transfiguration of Christ at Matthew chapter 17, verses 1 through 13. Verse 2 says,

And He (meaning Christ) was transfigured before them (his 3 disciples that were witnesses to this event – Peter, James, and John his brother)….
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The Blue Letter Bible reverse Greek interlinear defines the phrase, “was transfigured” this way.

The Greek word is metamorphoō (G3339), which is a verb. In Greek, it means to change into another form (Blue Letter Bible, 2022).

Now, I do not know about you but when I read this explanation in comparison to the modern definition provided by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to me, this conveys a different school of thought, a different feel. So, let’s go a little deeper to see what we can obtain. 

The transfiguration
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I reviewed a few encyclopedia dictionaries to get a little more understanding and clarity on this supernatural event. But let’s review one of them together – the International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia. This is how it described this occurrence.

Jesus and his 3 disciples went to the holy mountain to pray. While praying away from His disciples, Jesus’ face became transformed – “His face shines like the sun.” Not only that, His garments also “became glistering, exceeding white….” From this great brightness, Peter, John, and James heard Jesus speaking with other prophets from their past – Moses, and Elijah. The 3 disciples of Christ were perplexed by what they saw and heard. As they leaned in closer to get a better view, the figures of Moses and Elijah withdrew. (Read Matthew 17:1-13). Then they heard a booming voice come from out of the clouds, which said, “This is MY beloved Son; hear ye him.”
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This voice was so powerful and overwhelming that all 3 men immediately prostrated themselves and waited in silence. But when they finally got the strength to look upward, only Jesus stood before them. What an awe-inspiring and unexplainable experience this was for these 3 men.

Now, we can attempt to break down the word transfiguration and its many parts and variations to figure out how our society is currently using this text. And that’s all good. Such a process can be beneficial and has its place. But what I think is most important for us to understand is the impact this encounter had on Jesus’ disciples and how this event, this supernatural phenomenon should have on us today. 
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The transformation significance and Influence
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When people speak of the transfiguration, even in the church, we refer to it in the most general way. As if it is or was a normal occurrence. We do not give it the reverence and holy accolades it deserves.

So, let’s think about this. Here in this account, we only know of one other occasion where GOD spoke such blessing words about Jesus HIS Son – “This is MY beloved Son.” – whom HE was well pleased with. Twice, GOD was confirming Jesus as HIS choice, HIS chosen vessel to do HIS will and bidding for HIS Kingdom and for the sake of humanity.

Through such gracious words, GOD was clearly indicating HIS favor upon this man of GOD that we know as Christ.

So, now, think about the transfiguration for a moment. And just imagine the impact it had on Jesus, despite knowing what He will have to endure and encounter in the near future for the sake of all of mankind. This event definitely gave Jesus the boldness, joy, new confidence, and even the endurance He will need to endure the shame and torture he was about to undergo for each one of us. This event was extremely significant in the spiritual realm and certainly in human history. It is not an event we can take lightly or gloss over.

Now consider the influence this experience had on Jesus’ disciples who were present. This moment had to be faith-building for them. If any of them were internally questioning whether Jesus was heaven-sent or whether He was the Messiah. This event would have cleared all of that up for sure. It would have radicated any doubts. Especially considering what all of them were about to be exposed to and experienced firsthand. For Jesus’ disciples, their days were about to get really dark. Persecution was about to get heavy and thick for them. Life as they once knew it was about to change and it was not going to be the same. A dense dark cloud was about to hover over the land and the heads of GOD’s people. But this event of the transfiguration would be forever imprinted in the minds of these 3 disciples who will play a pivotal role in the survival of the Church and its members during the coming dark church days. This event will strengthen them and help them to stay in the place, in an hour when many will abandon not only their faith but also Christ, their Savior and Deliver.
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The transfiguration strengthen christ'S disciples
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Seeing the transfiguration figures of both Moses and Elijah was confirmation to Jesus’ 3 disciples that there is life on the other side. There is immortality for mankind – for those who are able to obtain it. No longer could they or any of us doubt the holy authority and power that rests on Christ. He truly is the Son of GOD. For these 3 men have seen as witnesses, an aspect of the unseen world through this unnatural event. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 13:1). Between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah – Peter, John, and James were able to see the spirit meeting with the spirit in their heavenly bodies. GLORY TO GOD! These men got to see a glance of what heavenly bodies look like in heaven. 

significance to us today
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One word would best describe the point of this subtitle - significance to us today. “Everlasting life”. Or even life after death. Okay, that was two words but you get the point. THERE IS LIFE AFTER THIS LIFE WE ARE CURRENTLY LIVING. The transfiguration is a powerful witness to this. If we continue to gloss over events like this in our human history – not only do we miss the value of such events. But it can even cost us missing out pn so much more.
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Every man, woman, and child must learn their Bible history. And I am not talking about that man-made makeup, tainted history we have been taught in our schools and even by our parents. (Compare to Hosea 4:6). We must know our history that was established and written by our Creator. (Compare to Genesis 1:1). It is then and only then, we will be able to obtain TRUTH (John 17:17).